1.22.2013

How To: Magic Ring (or Adjustable Loop)

Lately, I've been making a lot of amigurumi patterns that start off with this "chain 2, single crochet six times into the first stitch" mumbo jumbo. I will always go with a magic ring over this method because, for me, it's easier and doesn't leave that annoying little hole in the middle of the ring.

All of my crochet patterns start with a magic ring, so I thought I'd share how I do them. So let's go!

Start by looping the yarn around two fingers, so that the working yarn crosses in front of the end (1). Flip your hand over and insert your hook under the loop on your fingers (2) and pull the working yarn through (3). Flip your hand back over. You now have one loop on your hook (4).

Carefully slide the yarn off your fingers (1) and grab hold of the ring (2). Yarn over with the working yarn (3) and pull through the loop on your hook (4). Now you're ready to begin making single crochets.

Put the hook through the ring that your left hand is holding and yarn over (1). Pull the yarn back under the ring. You now have 2 loops on your hook (2). Yarn over (3) and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook (4). That was your first single crochet!

One Single Crochet in the ring:

This is where patterns will differ. Most will have you make 6 single crochets into the ring. So repeat the 4 steps above 5 times for a total of 6 single crochets.

Pull the end of the yarn nice and tight to close the ring and voila! That's a magic ring.

But let's not stop there. You'll notice a little bump at the beginning of the round. Just ignore that. The first stitch is directly to the left of the bump. Most of the time, you'll be increasing around the ring. I've single crocheted 2 times in each stitch...

...to make a total of 12 stitches.

Ahhh. I just love the look of a nice, tight magic ring (lol). As with most things in life, practice makes perfect. Why not practice with some heart arrows? That's right! They use magic rings!